Owen-Putnam State Forest wilderness guide
State Forest · IN

Owen-Putnam State Forest

Owen-Putnam State Forest, located in central Indiana, offers a range of outdoor activities set in the rolling woodlands typical of the region.

State Forest6,1744+ Trails

Designation

State Forest

Total Wilderness Area

6,174

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Owen-Putnam State Forest

Owen-Putnam State Forest, located in central Indiana, offers a range of outdoor activities set in the rolling woodlands typical of the region.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Owen-Putnam State Forest is a notable natural area in Indiana, encompassing approximately 6,174 acres of protected land across Owen and Putnam counties. The forest's landscape is characterized by rolling hills, hardwood forests, and small creeks, providing various habitats for local wildlife and plant species. Historically, the area was acquired in the early 20th century for reforestation and to encourage outdoor recreation. Today, it offers hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and camping opportunities. Fishing is available in Deer Creek, which runs through parts of the forest. Visitors are attracted by the forest's tranquility and the chance to engage with nature in a relatively undisturbed setting. There are no major landmarks within the forest, but its appeal lies in the simplicity and quiet it offers away from urban life.

Field Guide · State Forest
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Owen-Putnam State Forest

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Horseback Riding Trails✦ Varied Hunting Areas✦ Quiet, Undisturbed Camping Sites✦ Scenic Woodland Vistas
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Owen-Putnam State Forest

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Owen-Putnam State Forest
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Owen-Putnam State Forest
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Owen-Putnam State Forest
Park Recreation

Horseback Riding

Available in Owen-Putnam State Forest
Park Recreation

Hunting

Available in Owen-Putnam State Forest
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Owen-Putnam State Forest
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Owen-Putnam State Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No permits or fees required for entry.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Owen-Putnam State Forest

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Rattlesnake Campground

Located near several trailheads, offering easy access to hiking and horseback riding trails.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Owen-Putnam State Forest

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Spencer, Indiana
⌖ 4.35 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Spencer, Indiana

Spencer, IN is a charming Midwestern retreat with outdoor adventures at McCormick's Creek State Park. Hike, paddle, camp, and watch wildlife in this idyllic town next to scenic natural spaces.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Gosport, Indiana
⌖ 8.00 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gosport, Indiana

Gosport, Indiana is a peaceful town offering access to quiet hiking, bird watching, fishing, and paddling nearby. With serene lakes and forest preserves, it’s a great spot for outdoor lovers seeking a low-key weekend escape.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Coal City, Indiana
⌖ 14.37 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Coal City, Indiana

Coal City, Indiana offers a quiet outdoor escape with hiking, mountain biking, paddling, birdwatching, and fishing. Set near the scenic Iroquois River and protected wildlife areas, it's a tranquil rural adventure destination.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Bloomington, Indiana
⌖ 18.98 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bloomington, Indiana

Bloomington, Indiana, offers a lively outdoor scene complemented by rich cultural activities. Hike or bike through lush landscapes, paddle peaceful lakes, and enjoy local festivals and dining.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Martinsville, Indiana
⌖ 21.57 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Martinsville, Indiana

Martinsville, Indiana offers a quiet outdoor retreat with hiking, fishing, paddling, and biking amid forested hills and the White River. Ideal spring to fall basecamp for nature lovers seeking peaceful Midwestern adventures.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Bloomfield, Indiana
⌖ 22.35 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bloomfield, Indiana

Bloomfield, Indiana is a peaceful rural town offering access to nearby hiking trails, fishing spots, and paddling on Hardy Lake. Its surrounding state parks provide quiet outdoor escapes for nature lovers.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Owen-Putnam State Forest

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Walking Indianapolis’s Dark Corners: A Two‑Hour True Crime Journey
ADVEXPEDITION
Indianapolis, Indiana
History TourADV Bookable

Walking Indianapolis’s Dark Corners: A Two‑Hour True Crime Journey

A guided, two‑hour urban history walk that visits sites tied to Indianapolis’s most notorious criminals and unsolved cases, useful for travelers seeking a focused, factual orientation to the city’s true‑crime past.

History TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Boats and Brews: A Riverside Paddle Paired with Guggman Haus Brewing
ADVEXPEDITION
Indianapolis, Indiana
Boat TourADV Bookable

Boats and Brews: A Riverside Paddle Paired with Guggman Haus Brewing

A four-hour collaboration between Guggman Haus Brewing and Frank's Paddlesports Livery that combines guided paddling, included shuttle service, and a complimentary 4-pack of Guggman’s Riverside New England IPA.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Inside Sun King: A 45‑Minute Guided Look at Indianapolis’ Main Brewery
ADVEXPEDITION
Indianapolis, Indiana
Guided TourADV Bookable

Inside Sun King: A 45‑Minute Guided Look at Indianapolis’ Main Brewery

A concise, guided tour of Sun King Brewing’s main facility in Indianapolis that includes behind‑the‑scenes brewing access and samples of the brewery’s year‑round beers—essential pre-trip facts for groups and first‑time visitors.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip